Agronomic Farming in Asia Pacific region

Summary: The importance and benefits of agronomic services in the agricultural practices of the APAC region.

FREMONT, CA: Agronomic services have evolved to incorporate advanced technologies and data-driven approaches. Services provided by agronomists include crop rotation, soil testing, fertiliser advice, pest and disease control, irrigation planning, and yield estimation. In the Asia-Pacific region, agronomic services are crucial for improving food security, revenue generation, and environmental sustainability.

More than half of the world's population resides in the Asia-Pacific region, consuming around 30 per cent of the world's food. By giving farmers fast, reliable information and guidance on how to maximise their crop output and resource usage efficiency, agronomic services can aid in overcoming these difficulties. Additionally, agronomic services can assist farmers in implementing new technology and methods that will raise yields, lower costs, and strengthen their resistance to biotic and abiotic challenges. Moreover, agronomic services can assist farmers in gaining access to value chains and markets that will increase their income and competitiveness.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has conducted a study that found that agronomic services might have a significant impact on society and farmers in the area.

According to the study, agronomic services can boost crop yields by 10–30 per cent, lower fertiliser and pesticide use by 10–20 per cent, 20–50 per cent, and water use by 10–30 per cent, as well as greenhouse gas emissions by 10–20 per cent. Besides, these services can produce a benefit-cost ratio of 3.6 to 9.8, which means that for every dollar spent on them, there is a return of between 3.6 and 9.8 dollars.

In the Asia-Pacific region, agronomic services are essential for enhancing agricultural output and soil management. It can assist farmers in increasing their output, profits, and sustainability while also helping to reduce poverty, ensure food security, and reduce the effects of climate change. However, there is a need to address the shortcomings and difficulties in the provision and use of agronomic services in the area.

Soil testing and precision irrigation services that use satellite data are provided by several governments to enhance yield efficiency. Training on integrated pest management practices has been provided to farmers to minimise the use of pesticides.

Investments by the governments, businesses and non-profit organisations in these services to help the farmers and production will further help in sustainable food production and meeting the growing demands of an increasing population.